Ferrari blocks iconic sports car

Ferrari has blocked production of a modern-day reinterpretation of an iconic 1970s rally car, the Lancia Stratos.

A one-off version of the new Stratos was designed last year by renowned Italian design firm Pininfarina for a wealthy historic car collector and driving enthusiast, Michael Stoschek.

The concept was created using the basis of a Ferrari F430, including its 4.3-litre V8 engine, but a statement on the official New Stratos website says its plans to build a limited edition run of the wedge-shaped sports car have been scuppered by the Italian supercar company.

"Over 40 prospective buyers from Europe and abroad have notified us of their interest in acquiring the New Stratos," says the site. "Pininfarina, however, has advised us that they will only carry out construction of a limited run with the express permission of Ferrari.

"Despite Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo's excellent assessment of the New Stratos after his test drive at Fiorano, Ferrari does not consent to construction of the planned limited run by either Pininfarina or any other Ferrari-dependent suppliers.

Lancia Stratos

"Given this situation, creation of additional vehicles seems possible only via companies that are not dependent on Ferrari."

Pininfarina has designed numerous Ferraris over the decades, including the F430 on which the New Stratos is based. The F430 has since been replaced by the 458 Italia.

The Lancia brand is owned by Ferrari's parent company Fiat.

The original Stratos – short for stratosphere – was created to give Lancia a rally-winning machine in the 1970s. It also borrowed some components from a reluctant Ferrari – using the Dino's 2.4-litre V6.